Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Issues
There has been a growing recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals within society.
Their acceptance and integration into mainstream culture remains limited due to cultural biases and institutional norms that shape how scientists perceive them. These preconceived notions are deeply ingrained in traditional institutions such as religion, politics, education, media, law, healthcare, business, and government. They can be traced back hundreds of years and have shaped many fields of study, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, literature, art, music, science, engineering, medicine, mathematics, chemistry, physics, philosophy, economics, and technology.
Cultural bias refers to an individual's belief system influenced by social attitudes, customs, values, norms, traditions, experiences, and opinions. It influences one's perception of reality, shaping how they interpret and respond to various situations and phenomena. Institutional norms refer to established practices and standards accepted by groups or organizations for achieving goals efficiently. The scientific community is no exception.
The research on LGBTQ+ issues is based on biased assumptions about sexuality, gender identity, and relationships. Scientific studies often assume heteronormativity (heterosexual behavior) and cisgenderism (non-transgendered people), reinforcing these concepts as universal truths. This approach limits the ability to understand and address complexities in human sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationships.
The "Gay Gene" theory suggests genetics determine sexual orientation; however, it fails to consider environmental factors such as culture, family dynamics, socialization, and trauma. Similarly, the "Transgender Brain Theory" argues that trans individuals have a female brain in a male body or vice versa; however, this ignores the complex interplay between nature and nurture.
Scientists also use gender stereotypes, which prescribe masculine or feminine roles, behaviors, and emotions. These limit understanding of fluid identities, non-binary genders, or unconventional relationships.
Bisexuality is often viewed as promiscuous, unstable, or confused, while polyamory is seen as immoral or deviant. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination, stigma, marginalization, and exclusion in education, employment, healthcare, housing, public spaces, politics, religion, media, entertainment, sports, arts, technology, etc.
To overcome cultural biases and institutional norms, the scientific community must recognize its own biases and reconsider existing theories and methodologies. It needs to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and intersectionality by incorporating diverse voices, perspectives, experiences, and methods into research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, publication, and dissemination. This will ensure accurate representation, comprehensive coverage, nuanced insights, and meaningful impact on society at large.
How is the scientific community's perception of LGBTQ+ issues shaped by cultural biases and institutional norms?
The scientific community's perception of LGBTQ+ issues has been influenced significantly by cultural biases and institutional norms that shape society as a whole. Cultural biases are deeply ingrained beliefs, values, and attitudes towards certain social groups based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, which may lead researchers to approach these topics with preconceived notions and expectations, affecting the data collected and conclusions drawn.